Short-Term Rental (STR) have become an option in the past few years as Airbnb and Vrbo became popular approaches to marketing accommodation online. Soon more established sites like Booking.com which used to deal exclusively with hotels and motels began listing other forms of accommodation as well. The on-line STR rentals can be anything from individual rooms to complete apartments or houses, including those with special features. Online marketing approaches have also evolved, and now many B&B establishments use them as well.

Several municipalities have taken a variety of approaches to regulating STRs, often adopting approaches that relate to local conditions. Where some STRs have created problems (noise, parking, litter, safety) the regulatory approach has been able to respond to those issues. Where available housing for long-term residents or unfair competition with traditional accommodation has been a concern, the regulatory approach has been a stricter form of regulating these concerns.

However, STRs do provide additional accommodation for visitors – attending community events, visiting families or simply enjoying the environment. Some property owners have found STRs to be a good way to bring in additional income.

Many municipalities simply do not regulate STRs, where no significant problems have emerged. However, municipalities that incur a significant number of visitors, such as those in “cottage country” around Georgian Bay, have adopted regulations aimed at improving safety, oriented to limiting nuisance, and sometimes aimed at limiting the STR impact on the market.

Project Update - February, 2026

On Monday, February 23^rd staff brought forward a revised Draft Short Term Rental Accommodation By-law.The Township is proposing updates to how Short-Term Rental Accommodations (STRAs) and Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) are regulated.

These updates reflect direction from Council following discussions at the April 14, 2025 Council meeting and the November 10, 2025, Council workshop.

We are now seeking public feedback on the proposed changes below.

At the April 14, 2025, Council meeting, staff presented a draft Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) by-law for consideration. Following discussion, Council chose to defer adoption of the by-law and directed staff to hold a workshop to further review options and address key concerns.

A Council workshop was held on November 10, 2025. During the session, the Township’s Prosecutor, Paul Dray of Dray & Associates, provided input on important matters such as the role of a Responsible Person, inspection requirements, maximum occupancy limits, parking standards, and enforcement considerations. Council provided direction to staff based on these discussions.

Following the workshop, Paul Dray was asked to revise the draft by-law in accordance with Council’s direction and to work with staff to develop a clear path forward. This work resulted in:

• A revised draft Licensing By-law for Short-Term Rental Accommodations and Bed & Breakfast establishments; and
• A supporting Zoning By-law Amendment to introduce new provisions for Short-Term Rental Accommodations and update related regulations within the Township’s Consolidated Zoning By-law.

Together, these proposed updates are intended to provide a clear and effective framework for regulating short-term rentals in the community.

The Township is proposing:

1. A revised Licensing By-law for Short-Term Rentals and Bed & Breakfasts
2. A Zoning By-law Amendment to support and complement the licensing by-law.

Together, these tools will regulate:

• Where short-term rentals can operate (zoning)
• How they must operate (licensing)

This helps protect public health, safety, neighbourhood character, and community well-being.

The updated draft includes:

Clear Definitions

• Updated definitions that align with zoning regulations.

Maximum Occupancy

• Maximum of 8 people total, or
• 2 persons per bedroom (whichever is less).

Bed & Breakfast Requirements

• Must be the owner’s primary residence, or
• Located on the same property where the owner resides.

Licence Cap

• A cap of 265 total licences.

One Licence Per Property

• Only one STRA or B&B licence permitted per property.

Inspections & Site Plans

• Inspection requirements.
• Site plan requirements for parking and property layout.

Renter’s Code of Conduct

• All operators must ensure renters follow a Code of Conduct.

Demerit Point System

• A formal point system will be used when considering:
  • Issuing a licence
  • Issuing with conditions
  • Suspension
  • Refusal
  • Revocation

Licensing Appeal Tribunal

• Establishment of an appeal process.

Licence Term

• Licences valid for three (3) years.
• Transfer provisions included.

Enforcement Tools

• Administrative penalties.
• Additional enforcement mechanisms.

Zoning and licensing work together:

• Zoning determines where short-term rentals are permitted.
• Licensing regulates how they operate.

Planning staff have prepared a draft zoning by-law amendment that will:

• Add zoning provisions for Short-Term Rental Accommodations
• Modify related regulations in the Township’s Consolidated Zoning By-law

A public meeting will be held on Monday, March 23^rd, to consider these zoning changes.